The Bougainville Black Orchids have secured a $20,000 prize after winning the Cairns Sevens tournament, delivering a major sporting achievement that has been welcomed as a source of encouragement for Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.

Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited Managing Director Sarimu Kanu congratulated the team, its coaches, trainers and supporters, describing the victory as a shining light at a time when the country continues to face development challenges.

Speaking during a presentation involving the Bougainville Rugby Union, Mr. Kanu said it had been an honour for Kumul Minerals Holdings to support the Black Orchids throughout their journey.

He said the company's K450,000 investment in the union was aimed at creating opportunities for young people and demonstrating what could be achieved through discipline, commitment and the right support.

“Discipline is a big part of gaining success,” Mr. Kanu said.

He said the Black Orchids' achievement was not only significant for Bougainville but also carried a message for the rest of Papua New Guinea, showing that local sporting teams could reach higher standards with the right investment and preparation.

Mr. Kanu said the team had provided an encouraging example of what could be achieved through sport, particularly in developing young people and creating pathways for the future.

He also assured the union that Kumul Minerals Holdings would continue supporting the Black Orchids, while pointing to opportunities for bigger partnerships and development initiatives in the future.

Member for Bougainville and Patron of the Bougainville Rugby Union, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, also acknowledged the company's K450,000 contribution, saying it had enabled the union to expand its player development programme and pursue opportunities that would otherwise have been difficult with its limited resources.

One of the initiatives supported through the development programme was a two-and-a-half-week visit to Fiji, where players stayed with host families in Mokani Village, Nasori.

The programme combined rugby preparation with cultural learning, community living and agricultural activities, including practical lessons in growing taro and cassava.

Mr. Tsiamalili said the agricultural component was designed to help players understand how farming could create better economic opportunities for their communities, while also improving their knowledge of nutrition and athletic performance.

“We need to be able to understand what food goes with what training,” he said.

The players also gained exposure to Fiji's rugby development structures, receiving guidance from experienced rugby personnel, including Fiji Sevens coach Colin Nisau and former international player Jerry Tuai.

Mr. Tsiamalili said Fiji Rugby had endorsed the programme and was willing to support further coaching, technical and administration courses for Bougainville rugby.

The initiative was delivered through Game Plan Pacific, which focuses on developing athletes through a broader approach that includes personal values, community involvement, and practical life skills.

Mr. Kanu said Kumul Minerals Holdings wanted to see the Black Orchids establish a standard that other sporting teams across Papua New Guinea could aspire to.

He said the company looked forward to continuing the journey with the team and supporting opportunities that would allow the Black Orchids to build on their Cairns Sevens success.